Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Friday that Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region will be guaranteed safety and 'dignified treatment' under international law if they surrender, according to state media. The statement came during a meeting with Russia's Security Council, escalating a week of high-stakes geopolitical maneuvering.
'If they lay down their arms, they will be guaranteed life,' Putin asserted, framing the offer as a pathway to reduce casualties. The remarks follow unverified claims by Russia that Ukrainian forces face encirclement in Kursk—an assertion Ukraine's General Staff has strongly denied.
U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, revealed Friday that he discussed the conflict with Putin via phone, describing talks as 'very good and productive.' In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized efforts to end the 'horrible, bloody war' and urged protections for Ukrainian troops. However, Putin clarified that any resolution would require Kyiv to order its soldiers to surrender.
The conflict in Kursk began in August with Ukrainian forces capturing 1,300 square kilometers of territory. Recent Russian counterattacks, however, have reportedly worsened conditions for Ukraine's military in the region, though official updates from both sides remain contradictory.
